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The Palakkad assembly bypoll, originally scheduled for November 13, has been postponed to November 20 by the Election Commission of India to avoid a clash with the Kalpathi Ratholsavam, a religious festival taking place from November 13 to 15 at the Sree Viswanatha Swamy Temple in Palakkad. This decision was made to ensure that the bypoll does not disrupt the festival and allows for maximum voter participation.
The Election Commission's move to reschedule the bypoll in Palakkad is a testament to its commitment to ensuring a fair and smooth electoral process. The Kalpathi Ratholsavam is a significant event for the local community, attracting a large number of devotees. Holding the bypoll on the same dates could have led to logistical challenges and disruptions for both the voters and the election officials. By postponing the bypoll, the Election Commission has addressed these concerns and created a more conducive environment for a successful election.
The rescheduling of the Palakkad bypoll has also affected the dates for 13 other assembly bypolls across Punjab (4) and Uttar Pradesh (9), which will now be held on November 20. However, the Wayanad Lok Sabha and Chelakara assembly byelections remain unaffected and will proceed as planned on November 13. The results of these byelections are expected to be announced on November 23.
The Palakkad bypoll is a significant event in the political landscape of Kerala. The seat was vacated by Shafi Parambil of the Congress, setting the stage for a three-way contest between the Congress, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Rahul Mamkootathil will represent the Congress, while Dr. P. Sarin will contest for the CPI(M) and C Krishnakumar for the BJP.
The postponement of the Palakkad bypoll will allow the political parties to further intensify their campaigning efforts in the lead-up to the election. The candidates will be focused on engaging with the voters, addressing their concerns, and highlighting their party's vision for the constituency. The outcome of this bypoll will be closely watched as it could have implications for the future political dynamics in Kerala.
Source: Palakkad bypoll date shifted to November 20 for Kalpathi Ratholsavam